Increasing our Cheesemaking Knowledge

The more we learn - the better we are.  NZ's Waikato University Biotechnology Learning Hub is full of interesting information and advice not only on cheesemaking but many alllied subject areas.  Aimed at Primary and Secondary School students this is a useful information source for us all so check out http://bit.ly/8PHh8 where you will be suprised and delighted at the quality of information available

Keeping you in touch with Raw Milk Submissions

Thank you for your submission on proposals for continuing to legally provide for farm gate sales of raw drinking milk.  The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) received 1685 submissions on the proposals.

After considering the outcome of consultation, the Minister for Food Safety, the Hon Kate Wilkinson, decided that farm gate sales of raw milk will continue to be allowed, and that the amount that can be purchased is likely to increase in the future. The Minister has also decided that farmers will be exempt from the current requirement to have a Risk Management Programme for farm gate sales of raw milk and will instead need to adhere to certain animal health and hygiene requirements.

The Minister has also asked MPI to undertake further scientific and policy work to investigate increasing the limit that consumers can purchase and whether raw milk can be sold off the farm in a way that balances managing the risks to public health with consumer choice.

MPI will also look at how consumers can be provided with information on risks associated with raw drinking milk at the point of sale so they are able to make an informed choice when they purchase raw drinking milk. 

 

MPI will consult on any new regulatory proposals relating to the production and sale of raw drinking milk, including the animal health and hygiene requirements, any limits on the quantity that can be purchased and sold and any proposals for sales of raw milk outside of the farm.  Your name has been added to the mailing list so you will be advised of consultation on this issue.

In the interim, the current legislation applies, and if people wish to consume raw milk they can buy up to 5 litres of raw milk from the farm gate for their own personal use or to provide to their family to consume.

 

A summary of the submissions has been posted on the MPI website at:

http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/industry/farm-gate-raw-milk-sales/index.htm

 

Information on safe food practices in relation to raw drinking milk these can also be found on the MPI website at:

http://www.foodsmart.govt.nz/food-safety/high-risk-foods/raw-milk/rawmilk.htm

Maritime Strike action between North and South Islands

Strike action by Aviation and Marine Engineers and the Merchant Service Guild will affect inter-island freight delivery between Dec 1-7. This will mean no inter-island ferries will be running.  Every effort will be made to facilitate and help our clients during this awkward period

Lets Curdle the Whey and blog about cheese

Share our ideas so that everyone's pleased - help out each other with tips and comments

Whether you are starting cheesemaking or are more experienced the key ingredients for making good cheese are milk, quality cultures, a simple but comprehensible recipe and time. Discussion is in progress about access to raw milk in NZ but many of you with domestic sources are making superb and memorable cheeses.  If in a more urban setting look for full cream milk at your local shop which will be pasteurised.  To pasteurise milk: two choices - heat to 61degC hold for 30 mins; or a quicker method heat to 72degC and hold for 15 seconds. What is the best way you have found to pasteurise milk - have you any helpful tips?